why do larger loads of laundry dry faster in the dryer than smaller loads?

Question

I remember someone telling me this as a child but cant remember if it is true or why it would be. Please help!

Answer 1

I'm not so sure about how large a large load is. If you want to dry just one or two items though, it/they will probably stick to the side. Dryers need to get warm air around and through the clothes and when they tumble, that's exactly what happens. When you have more than a few items, they prevent each other from sticking to the sides and can tumble. If you "pack" the dryer with clothes - so nothing else fits in, they won't dry regardless.

Answer 2

I'm not sure if your statement is accurate but I think it may be because there is more movement of the clothes with a larger load. For example if you put in just an item or two in the dryer it may never dry because it won't tumble as efficiently as a full load. If you have a small load and you want it to dry a little faster you can try putting in a clean towel with your clothes, it will help to distribute the heat a little better.

Answer 3

It would be more accurate to say that a medium load will dry faster then two shirts. You need a certain volume of clothing for them to really tumble and fluff as the dryer turns. If you just put two shirts in they will wedge in a corner and take a very long time to dry. Wedged in the corner they just don't get any air flow.

Answer 4

Cynthia is right. If you put just a couple of items in the dryer, they will flop to the bottom and then just get tossed in a wad, not opening out to get full air circulation. Add a couple of towels, and then your two items get agitated and fluffed by the contact.

Answer 5

No, it's not true. Loads that tumble better dry faster.